As the colder months approach, we can expect to see increases in common airborne viruses. Illness is the biggest single reason for school absence; while some absences due to illness are unavoidable, many can be reduced through simple, proactive measures that minimise the spread of infections.
Scientific evidence demonstrates that vaccination, disinfection (cleaning), handwashing, and ventilation can significantly reduce the transmission of infectious diseases. Schools can play an important role in helping reduce the spread of seasonal illnesses, helping keep pupils and staff healthy, supporting healthy learning environments and regular school attendance.
In this blog, Professor Russell Viner, Chief Scientific Adviser at Department for Education sets out small actions schools can take across seven areas for maximum impact.
Professor Russell Viner is a clinical paediatrician, professor at the University College London Great Ormond St. Institute of Child Health and former President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
1. Parents: Communicate to minimise unnecessary absence
The NHS provides clear guidance on when children are well enough to attend school. Most mild illnesses — such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough — do not require time off school, unless a child has a temperature. Parents know their child best, but schools can support parents to make informed decisions by:
- Sharing the NHS guidance. Consider linking to it on your website and sharing it proactively in your comms to parents ahead of the winter illness season.
- Reassuring them on the measures your school has put in place to reduce the spread of illnesses, such as the ones set out in this article, and signposting to steps they can take to support with this.
- Reminding parents to book medical appointments outside of school hours where possible. Where this isn’t possible, they should bring their child to school before, and return after, if they are well enough. Pupils can attend appointments in their school uniform.
2. Pupils and staff: Vaccinations for protection
Vaccinations are a key line of defence against flu and other preventable illnesses. When children and young people receive all the recommended vaccines in the national immunisation programme, it helps protect their health and support the wellbeing of the whole school community.
School Age Immunisation Services (SAIS), commissioned by NHS England, deliver these free vaccinations in schools. This autumn, all school children in England (from reception to year 11) will be offered a flu vaccination at school.
Schools can support vaccination programmes by:
- Setting aside a suitable area and time in the timetable. Share details with the SAIS team so they can plan ahead.
- Sending out invitation letters, leaflets, and consent forms to parents in good time, with a clear deadline for responses.
- Letting staff, pupils, and families know when the vaccination session is happening and reminding them to return consent forms.
- Encouraging anyone with questions or concerns to speak to a health visitor, school nurse, or GP.
- Sharing a list of eligible pupils and contact details for their parents/carers with the SAIS team.
- Promoting information on vaccination catch up clinics that the SAIS team share with you.
- Consulting the Supporting immunisation guidance and updated flu vaccination guidance for primary and secondary schools.
3. Pupils and staff: Handwashing is a simple but powerful tool
Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, particularly those that cause diarrhoea or vomiting. Schools can:
- Ensure liquid soap and handwashing facilities with warm water and paper towels are available and accessible.
- Include handwashing routines before meals, after using the toilet, touching animals and on entrance to the classroom/after playtime.
4. Pupils and staff: Catch It, Bin It, Kill It approach to respiratory hygiene
Coughs and sneezes spread diseases, but simple everyday habits can help stop infection from spreading. Encourage children and staff to follow these easy habits:
- Catch it: Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. If there's no tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Bin it: Throw the used tissue straight into a bin.
- Kill it: Wash hands with soap and water after coughing, sneezing, or touching used tissues. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- No spitting: it spreads germs.
5. Environment: Good ventilation to provide fresh air
Good ventilation can help remove air that contains virus particles and prevent the spread of respiratory infections such as colds, flu and COVID-19. Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Let fresh air in: Open windows and doors whenever possible (note: fire doors must be kept closed).
- In colder weather you can open high-level windows instead of low ones to avoid cold draughts or air rooms by opening windows and doors between lessons and at breaktimes.
- If you have CO2 monitors, use them to manage ventilation and identify poorly ventilated areas.
- Where it isn’t possible to maintain an adequate supply of fresh air, consider using an air cleaning unit until ventilation improvements are made. Keep in mind that air cleaning units are not a substitute for ventilation and should not delay any necessary remedial work.
Where spaces are mechanically ventilated, systems should be maintained to ensure their continued operation.
Schools can consult this guidance on using CO2 monitors and air cleaning units.
6. Environment: Cleaning to keep a safe and healthy school environment
Regular cleaning helps reduce the spread of germs on surfaces. Schools should:
- Focus on high-touch areas like door handles, desks and toilets, as well as food preparation areas.
- Ensure cleaning schedules are followed consistently.
- Provide tissues and bins in classrooms and liquid soap by handwashing facilities and encourage their use.
- Consult this guidance on cleaning practices and hand and respiratory hygiene.
7. Behavioural reminders: Small habits, big impact
Children (and staff!) benefit from regular reminders about hygiene and illness prevention. Schools can:
- Explain why you are opening the window, even on a chilly day, even just for 10 minutes can make a big difference, and the benefits of bringing fresh air into the classroom.
- Reinforce positive behaviours through classroom routines and visual prompts, such as picture instructions on effective handwashing near sinks and promoting “catch it, bin it, kill it” messaging.
- Use assemblies, RSHE and Science lessons to promote health and wellbeing. Helpful resource include:
- UKHSA materials on vaccinations, teeth brushing, handwashing and general hygiene for children aged 3 to 16.
- School Zone on healthy eating, exercise and sleep routines.
Final thoughts
By taking simple, coordinated actions, schools can help reduce illnesses from spreading, promote pupil wellbeing, reduce illness-related absences and keep pupils learning through the winter months.
Other useful links
Managing specific infectious diseases: A to Z - GOV.UK
Letter to school leaders on mild illness and school attendance - GOV.UK